Emergency warnings

Emergency warnings are an effective way to alert a large section of the public in as short a time as possible.

The authorities can issue emergency warnings when the public faces threats to life or health or when property is at risk of destruction or significant damage. An all-clear may also be given when the danger has passed.

Emergency warnings can be issued by

rescue authorities

police

border guard authorities

Emergency Response Centre Administration

Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority

Finnish Meteorological Institute

Finnish Transport Agency

Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi)

Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira)

National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira)

Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea)

all ministries

Warnings broadcast on TV and radio in Finnish and Swedish

Emergency warnings are broadcast to the public on radio and – where the authority issuing the warning deems it appropriate – on television, too. All emergency warnings are broadcast in Yle's teletext service on page 112.

On radio, emergency warnings can be issued regionally, while on TV emergency warnings are always issued for the whole country.

Warnings are always issued in Finnish and Swedish. If the danger or its consequences impact the Saami homeland, the warning must also be given in Saami.

The Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) and commercial radio and television stations are required by law to broadcast the warnings.